How do I feel about this u joint?

[Kevin B.]

It's loose and floppy but I can't feel any play.

I already bought replacement joints and it's out of the truck so it's a goner either way. But I'm curious because it was making noise on tight turns* and I expected to feel some play in it.

For bonus points, how much do I care about that dust seal on the shaft? It looks to have been hosed for quite some time and the truck hasn't blown up yet. I'm inclined to let it ride unless somebody wants to call me names and tell me what a stupid idea that is.

* This is a relative term. Actual results may vary. No representation of an actually recognizable turning radius is intended or implied. Not responsible for damages resulting from my inability to flip a yooey within the length of an aircraft carrier.

 

[Tacoma]

After recent events I'm inclined to say, fix it before it fixes you, but.....

 

[bryson]

I'd replace the dust seal.

You're already in there replacing a part that isn't bad, so you might as well replace the one that is.

 

[bryson]

If the u-joint isn't the cause of your noise, maybe the spindle bearing is, and the dust seal is indeed the reason it went bad?

 

[mesha]

Bryson knows u-joints. He fixed my u-joint on the rubicon with a soda can. I drove it that way through the whole rubicon and for about 1.5 years after that with no problems.

 

[mbryson]

Bryson knows u-joints. He fixed my u-joint on the rubicon with a soda can. I drove it that way through the whole rubicon and for about 1.5 years after that with no problems.

...and tie rods

 

[Hickey]

...and tie rods
View attachment 153288

Man, that was a great trip.

 

[Tacoma]

Look at all the former young in that pic. Man. Time is a-slippin' by.

 

[Greg]

Man, that was a great trip.

Guess we'd better make a plan for Rubicon 2023!

 

[Kevin B.]

Bryson knows u-joints. He fixed my u-joint on the rubicon with a soda can. I drove it that way through the whole rubicon and for about 1.5 years after that with no problems.

...and tie rods
View attachment 153288

.... and fuel filters. I still can't get over watching him pull a fuel filter with a ball point pen.

 

[mbryson]

Guess we'd better make a plan for Rubicon 2023!

I'll have to ride along with @ebryson or beat the hell out of my JT.

 

[ebryson]

I'll have to ride along with @ebryson or beat the hell out of my JT.

But I thought I was the colored Jeep of the family...

I'd like to go.

 

[Tacoma]

Hmmmm maybe the YJ will be done by then